188 episodes
Be The Exception Dawn Ellis
-
- Education
How do I become a special education teacher? How do I get everything with data collection done? Where do I start in mastering something? How do I become exceptional at one thing? How do I perfect a special education classroom? Welcome to Be The Exception Podcast where we will answer all these questions and so many more. Each episode, host Dawn Ellis will bring you productivity tips, mindset motivation, special education strategies, education hacks, and inspirational stories that can help you become the exceptional human you were meant to be. We all have something that comes naturally to us that others would love to know more about. So let’s start the conversation and learn from others, so we can grow together.
-
189.Discover How Digitability is Reshaping Special Ed
What does it mean to join the digital frontier in your classroom? There is so much technology out there and sometimes educators think that our students are not ready to advance in this area…at least when talking about using digital learning to be successful in future school and employment opportunities.
In today's episode, we're thrilled to explore the innovative world of Digitability with Michelle and Rebecca. Discover how their journey from traditional classrooms to digital frontiers is transforming the landscape of special education for middle and high school teachers. Join us to learn about the empowering impact of Digitability on both students and educators!"
Digitability’s transition curriculum teaches digital literacy and work-ready skills to people with cognitive disabilities. This increases outcomes and enables students to successfully transition into the workforce as self-advocates. Learn how their resources can make a difference in your special education classroom.
In this episode you will learn:
The story behind the business, Digitability.
How to overcome the barriers that are in the way for your students when it comes to connecting with digital learning.
The curriculum highlights in Digitability’s resources.
About real life stories where Digitability has made a difference for a student or teacher.
Links and Resources
Digitability’s Website
Digitability’s Virtual Banking System for Special Education Students
Connect with Dawn
Find me on IG
Find me on Tik Tok
Etsy Shop
TpT Store
Subscribe
Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don’t miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes!
Leave a Review
If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful! -
188.All the Black Friday Special you Need for Your Classroom
This week’s podcast is a little different! I have some super special Black Friday sales going on and I wanted you to make sure that you knew exactly what you are getting!
So listen in and find out what is included in each special this week.
Connect with Dawn
Find me on IG
Etsy Shop
TpT Store
Ultimate Sales Page
Subscribe
Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don’t miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes!
Leave a Review
If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful! -
187.Sensory Room Ideas & How to Get Started on a Budget
So what is a sensory room anyway? It is a space that allows students with sensory needs to receive an immersive sensory experience. The space does not have to be an entire room, a corner is better than nothing. It is also not limited to a special education classroom, but rather can serve a purpose in a general education classroom as well.
This week I am sharing ideas of what to put in a sensory space and how to get one started on a budget. You will come away with practical ideas of where to start so that your students’ needs are completely met.
In this episode you will learn:
The benefits of having a sensory space.
How to adapt a corner of your classroom to meet these needs of your students.
How to use grants to get the items you need for your sensory space.
About different resources you can put in your sensory space.
Links and Resources
Digital Planner for Special Education Teachers
Sign Language Poster
How to Write a Grant
Connect with Dawn
Sensory Items on Amazon
Find me on IG
Subscribe
Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don’t miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes! -
186.How to Manage Data Collection in the Special Education Classroom
Do you ever feel like you are being pulled from making a difference with your students because you have to collect more and more data? There are 14,000 things happening at once in your room and you have to stop it all to track progress….double ugh!
Data matters! We know it, we want it…but we also want it to be easier and more efficient. In this week’s episode I am chatting with AJ Howard from Tracked Learning about his new software that makes this a real life possibility.
In this episode you will learn:
All about the Tracked Learning software and the difference it can make in your classroom.
Easier ways to track data in real time in your classroom, instead of just at progress report time.
About different reports that you can use to make the biggest difference with your students.
How to use pre-loaded goals and assessments available in the program.
Links and Resources
Tracked Learning Website
Tracked Learning Instagram
Connect with Dawn
Find me on IG
Find me on Tik Tok
Etsy Shop
TpT Store
Subscribe
Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don’t miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes!
Leave a Review
If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful! -
185.What Special Educators Need to Know About Task Boxes
Task boxes in the simplest form are activities that students should be able to complete independently. They are also one of the most amazing tools for a special education classroom. They can be used for any subject or area, they are great time fillers and they are the perfect review for all students.
In this week’s episode, I’m chatting about what special educators need to know about task boxes. By the end of the episode you will be excited about all the possibilities that task boxes can bring.
In this episode you will learn:
What areas you can use task boxes in…even life skills.
Which boxes I like for each type of task.
Some examples of things I use task boxes for in my own classroom.
Links and Resources
Episode 67
Episode 68
Back to School Bundle
Teacher Stickers
Task Boxes and Ideas Facebook Group
Connect with Dawn
Find me on IG
Find me on Tik Tok
Etsy Shop
TpT Store
Subscribe
Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don’t miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes!
Leave a Review
If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful! -
184.How to Strategically Fade Prompts with Your Special Ed Students
Prompts are cues, whether verbal or visual, that aid our students in meeting expectations in various settings. Prompts are not to be feared; they're valuable tools we use to set our students up for success. We introduce prompts into the environment to help our learners achieve their goals and navigate their routines effectively.
In the classroom, prompts manifest in various forms. For instance, reminding a student to say "thank you" after receiving a pencil increases their success in demonstrating polite behavior. Whether it's guiding them in following a bathroom routine or aiding their transition after recess, prompts are woven into our daily educational experiences.
In this episode you will learn:
Examples of prompts used in the classroom.
How to strategically fade prompts.
How to balance using prompts for your students
Remember, our ultimate goal is to empower our students towards self-sufficiency. As long as we remember the end-game, we will do right by our students.
Links and Resources
Etsy Fall + Halloween Teacher Tees
Halloween Bundle
Exceptional Collective
Connect with Dawn
Find me on IG
Find me on Tik Tok
Etsy Shop
TpT Store
Subscribe
Are you subscribed to my podcast? Trust me, you definitely want to do that so you don’t miss a thing! Click here to subscribe in iTunes!
Leave a Review
If you are loving the podcast, I would be really grateful if you left me a review over on iTunes, too. Those reviews help other teachers find my podcast and I love hearing what you think about the podcast as well. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what part of the podcast you found to be the most helpful!